Toyota Recalls 1.1 Million RAV4 SUVs Due to Seatbelt Failure

Toyota is recalling more than 1.1 million sports utility vehicles across the U.S. due to a seatbelt separation issue.

The automotive manufacturer said it's possible that the safety belts in both second-row window seats could be severed by the metal seat cushion frame in the instance of a severe frontal crash — failing to restrain passengers. The fault is suspected in the separation of seat belts in two crashes, one of which killed a passenger, the New York Times reports.

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The recall covers all RAV4 SUV models from 2005 through 2014 and RAV4 electric models from 2012 through 2014, the Japanese automaker said. It follows a series of unsettling recalls in other crucial auto safety equipment by the company, including millions of faulty airbags, some of which led to fatal accidents.

Fortunately, Toyota said its dealers would fix the problem by adding plastic covers to the metal seat-cushion frames, a process that would only take about 30 to 60 minutes per vehicle.